In this book the author sets out a biblical and scientific basis for a discussion of the music of congregational singing. On that foundation he provides answers to questions such as: Should we even... More > sing in worship? Does the style of music make any difference? If style is important, why is it so, and what are the consequences of choosing an inappropriate style? In the author's more expansive text, "Worship and Congregational Singing," many other questions are discussed having to do with song texts and musical accompaniment.< Less

The contentious issue of congregational singing in the evangelical church in the United States is so intense that it has come to be known as the “music war.” In this book, a biblical... More > view of worship is brought together with modern scholarship in musical and cognitive studies, to provide a new, clearly-argued analysis of the problem and an unambiguous solution. The study leads to a perspective that will surprise most readers, a perspective which, if true, will be of great concern to all those who love the God of historic Christianity. A modest musical background is helpful but not at all necessary.< Less

This book constitutes an analysis of the major aspects of congregational singing in the Western evangelical church, including song texts, music, and instrumental accompaniment. For each of these,... More > standards are given by which to evaluate the suitability of individual songs and styles of accompaniment for use in worship. Examples are given showing the application of these standards to numerous existing songs, and suggested grades are assigned.
The foundation for this study consists of definitions of worship and corporate worship and four principles which the author derives from John 4:24. Several familiar alternative conceptions of evangelical worship are examined.
This book differs from the author's earlier work, "Volumes of Praise for a Vanishing God," in the breadth of topics discussed, the inclusion of full documentation and an extensive bibliography that provides starting points for further study. Also included in this volume is an abundance of endnotes dealing with related topics of interest.< Less

About David Neu

David F. Neu, Ph.D., is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA, where he taught for almost 30 years. Although his academic degrees are all in mathematics, the most influential aspect of his formal education was his college music minor, specializing in organ. His study under Charles H. Finney, Ph.D., Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, was life-changing. Questions pertaining to church music, first raised in college, persisted through many years of teaching. They were energized and expanded by simultaneous service as a church organist, by frequent discussions with students and colleagues, and by the explosive growth of contemporary Christian music.

After 40 years of living in southern California, Dr. Neu and his wife, Karen, now reside in Westminster, CO, enjoying the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.